11-04-1999 Council Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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2. 3. 4. O: ono's land use plans will be based upon environmental protection policies. Land use and development must assure the conservation, protection and preservation of sensitive environmental resources in accordance with the goals and policies of the Environmental Protection Plan. Land use policies will encourage the wise use and management of natural resources while prohibiting their misuse, abuse, overuse or exploitation. Development densit>’ will be limited throughout the cit>’ to a level which will not overload the natural surface water drainage and filtration system. Urbanization increases the speed and quantity of surface runoff while decreasing the water quality. Developed land use densities will be determined by comparison between knoun levels of volume and pollution generation and known marshland capacity for ponding and nutrient assimilation. To the extent that it is practical and feasible, the City will supplement existing natural assimilation capacities with man-made ponding areas, but will not allow increases in development density bevond the defined rural density as a result of such supplementation. The wetlands and marshlands of the cit>- will be protected and preserv ed as wildlife habitats, as unique open spaces, and as the only economically practical method of flood protection and storm water runoff filtration. Wetlands, drainagevvays and floodplains will be protected from encroachment and from alteration or destruction by filling, grading. e,\cavation or drainage. Wherever possible, the City will acquire open space and flowage easements for conservation of these lands. 5.Protection of lake resources will allow reasonable access, use and enjoyment while preventing overcrowding and excessive encroachment. In conformance with Mn. DNR Shoreline Orono's Shoreland Management regulations fo r Rccfcational Develop ment lakes, Orono will prohibit overly dense development within 1,000 feet of Lake Minnetonka, Lake use regulations will be promoted to limit excessive boat density and overuse of sensitive bays. Land use regulations will continue to be developed and fine- tuned to provide reasonable control over building density, land alteration and lakeshore encroachment. 6.Lake shorelines will be protected from alteration. Shoreland areas, whether blufl', beach or floodplain, are sensitive environmental features with significant impact on lake water quality, aesthetic values and land use function. These same factors act to draw development which can be destructive if not properly regulated. Natural vegetation in shoreland areas will be preserved insofar as practical and reasonable in order to retard surface runoff and soil erosion, and to utilize excess nutrients. Clearcutting will be prohibited. In areas of soil or wave action erosion, material stone rip rap shoreline protection will be encouraged. CMP3B-15